Texas Boating & Jet Ski Accident Lawyer: Get Justice

Why boating and PWC crashes are different

Boats and personal watercraft operate under Texas water safety laws and, in some cases, federal maritime law. Collisions, wake damage, propeller strikes, and rental PWC incidents can involve layered liability: vessel operators, owners, rental companies, manufacturers, and sometimes bars or marinas. Evidence can disappear quickly on the water, so fast action matters.

Common causes of Texas boating & jet ski accidents

• Operator inattention or inexperience
• Excessive speed or reckless operation
• Boating while intoxicated (BWI)
• Failure to maintain a proper lookout
• Hazardous weather or low visibility
• Equipment failure or improper maintenance
• Overloading or improper anchoring
• Rental company negligence (unsafe briefings, defective equipment)

Who may be liable

• Boat or PWC operator
• Vessel owner (including negligent entrustment or failure to maintain)
• Rental or tour company
• Manufacturer or component maker (defective design or inadequate warnings)
• Bar, restaurant, or marina under applicable alcohol liability laws
• Government entities for dangerous conditions in limited circumstances

Key Texas safety and reporting rules

Texas law prohibits operating a watercraft while intoxicated and requires operators to follow navigation rules and maintain required safety equipment. Certain boating accidents must be reported when they involve death, disappearance, injuries requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or significant property damage. Depending on the circumstances, reports are filed with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) within specified timelines. For details, see TPWD: Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) and TPWD: Boating Accident Report.

Accident checklist

• Get to safety and call 911 for medical help.
• Report the incident to the appropriate authority and your insurer.
• Preserve evidence: photos or video of vessels, location markers or GPS, damage, weather and water conditions, and injuries.
• Identify witnesses and exchange information (operators, owners, insurers, hull or PWC identification numbers).
• Do not repair or alter the vessel before documenting it.
• Avoid detailed statements to insurers until you have legal counsel.

Compensation you may recover

• Medical expenses and future care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Property damage
• In wrongful death cases: funeral costs and certain survivor claims

Insurance coverage issues

Boat and PWC policies can be separate from auto policies and may include liability, medical payments, and uninsured or underinsured boater coverage. Homeowner policies sometimes have limited watercraft coverage with exclusions. Rental agreements may shift risk or include waivers. Do not assume a waiver bars your claim; enforceability under Texas law depends on the specific language and facts, and some waivers may be limited or unenforceable, including where gross negligence or defective equipment is alleged.

Evidence and expert support

Accident reconstructionists, marine safety experts, and medical professionals can analyze vessel speed, lookout, lighting and right-of-way, alcohol evidence, maintenance logs, GPS or telemetry, and rental company training practices. Prompt preservation letters can secure rental records, surveillance video, and electronic data.

How a Texas boating injury claim typically proceeds

• Free consultation to review facts and deadlines.
• Investigation and evidence preservation.
• Notice to insurers and responsible parties.
• Settlement negotiations supported by medical and expert proof.
• If needed, filing suit in the appropriate Texas court or pursuing claims under maritime law. Most cases resolve before trial, but each case is prepared as if it will be tried.

Deadlines and reports

Texas law sets deadlines for personal injury and wrongful death claims, and TPWD requires accident reports in specified situations. The timing can depend on the type of claim, the parties involved, damages, and whether maritime law applies. Because deadlines can be short and vary, speak with a lawyer promptly to protect your rights. See TPWD accident reporting guidance.

Pro tips to protect your claim

FAQ

Does maritime law apply to my Texas boating accident?

It can. If the incident has a connection to navigable waters and maritime activity, certain maritime rules may apply alongside Texas law. An attorney can advise which law governs.

What if the at-fault operator has no boat insurance?

Your claim may proceed against the owner, a rental company, a bar under applicable alcohol liability laws, or your own uninsured or underinsured boater coverage if available.

Are rental waivers enforceable in Texas?

Sometimes. Enforceability depends on the waiver language and facts. Waivers often do not protect against gross negligence or defective equipment claims.

How long do I have to file?

Deadlines vary by claim type, parties involved, and whether maritime law applies. Speak with a Texas attorney immediately to avoid missing a limitation.

Why choose our Texas boating & jet ski accident team

• Texas-based team with watercraft injury experience
• Rapid evidence preservation and a trusted expert network
• Clear communication and contingency fee options
• Trial-ready approach to pursue the maximum recovery available

Free consultation

If you or a loved one was injured on a Texas waterway, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and pursue accountability. Request your free consultation.

Citations

• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Boating Accident Report

This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change and apply differently based on facts. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed Texas attorney about your specific situation.